I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July.
My good friend Tom, a true Patriot, suggests that we include important readings, especially selected sections, as part of our celebration on Independence Day in order to add more meaning to our celebration. Some of these include: The Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and The Gettysburg Address. The Federalist Papers would also be appropriate.
Tom, you got it. For more information about his effort visit:
http://washingtondcteaparty.ning.com/events/4th-of-july-project?xg_source=msg_mes_network
God Bless the United States of America, the greatest country on earth!
Earlier today another South American favorite, Argentina, heads home after being soundly trounced by Germany (4-0). Note that Germany appears to be worthy of winning the World Cup this year. Their teamwork is truly awesome. And yesterday, one of my favorites, Brazil, lost (2-1) to Holland in a shocker upset. Brasil’s Dunga, a former professional soccer player turned head coach, did not shock many by resigning during the press conference after the game. He had a lot of critics back home that did not like Brazil’s new style of play and until yesterday I thought they were wrong. He had to go. On the other hand, Maradona, arguably one of the best soccer players of all time and now Argentina’s head coach, had many people thinking the Argentines were unbeatable and so the expectations were high. I hope he doesn’t resign.
My favorite teams in this world cup are USA, Brazil, and Honduras but I think Brazil will defeat Germany in the final. The USA team shows a lot of potential and I hope they make it to the quarterfinals. Honduras should make it to the round of 16.
Wishing you all a happy Easter and Passover!
I found a great read that I wanted to share with you about Obama’s approach to foreign policy issues in Latin America. It will be interesting to see how the Obama Administration deals with future situations in this part of the region.
Obama’s Tango: Restoring U.S. Leadership in Latin America
By: Christopher Sabatini and Jason Marczak
January 13, 2010
Foreign Affairs
Summary: The Obama administration has pursued a Latin America policy based on the idea of partnership. But a number of recent crises in the region have shown that what the hemisphere needs from the United States is, in fact, more forceful leadership.
To Continue Reading, please Click Here.
FYI! Governor McDonnell to give Republican response immediately after the President’s State of the Union at 9PM tonite.
To help with the American Red Cross’ relief efforts in Haiti, please text “haiti” to 90999. The Red Cross will get $10. You’ll get billed for it from your cell carrier.
Many blessings to you and yours this holiday season and a happy new year!
I want to express my deepest gratitude for your overwhelming vote, support, and encouragement.
In this type of business one has to be prepared for either outcome on the day of election. But despite that, I was truly disappointed by the results. We were so close.
Our winning strategy did not materialize and I take full responsibility for the results. Over the last few days, I had the opportunity to think about what we should have done different. But the path to victory in this district was a difficult one from the beginning and the outcome proved it so.
Indeed, I have lived the American dream and will never forget the honor I felt to be on the ballot with the winning statewide ticket led by Governor-Elect Bob McDonnell.
But this campaign was never about me.
This campaign was about you and your voice. And we were 7,616 strong that day. It is clear that the end of your story is yet to be written.
You want and deserve real results to the everyday problems. Our leaders need to bring economic development, create new jobs, and fix the ailing transportation system. They need to protect and reform the school system so that children get the best education possible. And they must protect and improve our special quality of life.
On Election Day, the majority of you elected your next Delegate, Mr. Luke Torian, and I respect your decision. Now, I will join you all to wish him well in the General Assemby.
By the same token, in the coming days I will also join you all to remind him what he said he would do for us during his campaign for delegate.
Lastly, I’m forever grateful to Robert Hartwell, Nancy Pratt, Don Scoggins, Jane Beyer, my staff, and to the many exceptional volunteers who poured their hearts out, day in and day out, on my behalf
I’m deeply grateful to Cinthia, my children, my brother and sister, and my parents for their unwavering support and sacrifice.
I was honored to count on the support of so many local, state, and congressional dignitaries including Tom Davis, Rob Wittman, Bill Howell, George Allen and Rudy Giuliani.
To my new friends I made along the way. You have given me so much and like a true public servant, I will be there when called upon. Most importantly, I will be there every step of the way to help our party and our cause.
Rafael Lopez
Former Republican Candidate for Delegate
Virginia General Assembly-District 52
We have so many great victories to celebrate, especially those of Marshall, Lingamfelter, Miller, and Anderson in Prince William County. Congratulations to Governor-Elect McDonnell, Lt. Governor Bolling, and Attorney General-Elect Ken Cuccinelli. I was honored to be on the ballot with this winning ticket. Virginia will surely move in the right direction.
We came so close to winning this, but it didn’t happen this time. I called Mr. Torian to concede and wish him well. I have so many people to thank, too many to name in this statement. But I would like to thank Rob Hartwell and Nancy Pratt, as well as Supervisors May and Nohe and Chair Stewart for their support. And also thank the party leadership including Speaker Howell. And specially thank my wife and family. Thank you all who thought I was worthy of your vote. We will all soon be back at it again. Thank you.